Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland is in the midst of a widespread transformation, including the year-long refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Here’s the latest update on one of the biggest current construction projects at Walt Disney World Resort.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which has been thrilling guests at Magic Kingdom since 1980, officially closed on January 6, 2025, for its major overhaul. Disney has not shared many specific details about what’s being done during the renovation, but the company has promised that the ride will reopen in early 2026 with some exciting new features. Over the past few months, Disney Park guests have spotted steel tracks arriving at the construction site, confirming that the entire track system for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is being replaced.
The latest update from WDWNT reveals that the renovations have expanded beyond just the coaster’s track replacement. Crews have begun working on repainting the attraction’s queue, which has been blocked off by construction walls and scrims. In addition to these updates, an even more dramatic change is happening within the ride’s old western town, Tumbleweed.
Scaffolding now surrounds Tumbleweed, specifically the Gold Dust Saloon, which is currently being repainted. While other buildings in the town are still covered with scaffolding, they have not yet been repainted, leading to speculation that they too will undergo some transformation as part of the refurbishment.
A new building is also under construction behind the roller coaster, near the exit of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s unclear whether this structure will be backstage or accessible to guests, but it’s another sign of the expansion and reimagination happening in this part of the park.
These changes come alongside a larger transformation of Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland. The recently opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced the original Splash Mountain, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree replaced the Country Bear Jamboree, and Disney replaced the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade with a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge.
Disney is also planning new attractions, including two Cars (2006) rides and a Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” Walt Disney Imagineering has already filed permits to demolish Tom Sawyer Island and portions of the Rivers of America to make room for the Cars attractions.
Although no official closing dates have been announced for Tom Sawyer Island or the Liberty Square Riverboat, these attractions are expected to remain operational until the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The extended refurbishment is expected to prepare the ride for increased guest traffic as Disney continues to develop the area with new and exciting experiences.
Do you agree with Disney’s decision to replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with two Cars attractions? Share your opinion with us in the comments!
Yes, I agree. It’s a good move to repurpose underutilized areas of the park especially when it’s done with newer/more currently themed attractions.